Press Releases

Latina Health Advocates Applaud Introduction of Health Equity Bill

Press Release

Washington

Erin White, erin@caminopr.com / 212.255.2575

The National Latina Institute for Reproductive Health (NLIRH) celebrates today the introduction of landmark legislation that would build on the gains of the Affordable Care Act to decrease health disparities and improve health outcomes for Latinas.

“Latinas face formidable barriers to accessing the health care we need, and the sad outcome of this lack of access includes higher rates of cervical cancer, gestational diabetes, HIV/AIDS, and unintended pregnancy than our white counterparts,” said Jessica González-Rojas, Executive Director of NLIRH. “The Health Equity and Accountability Act bill would begin to set right longstanding inequities and improve the health of Latinas, our families, and our communities.”

The Health Equity and Accountability Act (S. 2474) was introduced to the U.S. Senate by Senator Daniel Akaka (D-HI) with the co-sponsorship of Senator Daniel Inouye (D-HI). Late last year, leaders in the Congressional Tri-Caucus introduced corresponding legislation in the house.

“The Health Equity and Accountability Act, in building upon health reform, advances a comprehensive framework to reduce racial and ethnic health inequities and, in doing so, seeks to improve health outcomes for millions of Latinas,” said González-Rojas.